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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
ERNEST  CARROLL  MOORE 


^-v^ 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

IVIicrosoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/anacreonOOanaciala 


ffftf^t' 


ANACREON 


THOMAS  STANLEY'S  TRANSLATION 


ILLUSTRATED    BY 


J.  E.  WEGUELIN 


NEW  YORK 

MERRILL   &    BAKEI^ 
1 1  East  i6th  Street 

1899 


ANAOREON. 


llie  Lute, 

I. 

Of  th'  Atrides  I  would  sing, 
Or  the  wand'ring  Theban  king  ; 
But  when  I  my  lute  did  prove, 
Nothing  it  would  sound  but  love ; 
I  new  strung  it,  and  to  play 
Herc'les'  labours  did  essay; 
But  my  pains  I  fruitless  found ; 
Nothing  it  but  love  would  sound : 
Heroes  then  farewell,  my  lute 
To  all  strains  but  love  is  mute. 


Beauty. 

II. 

Horns  to  bulls  wise  Nature  lends ; 
Horees  she  with  hoofs  defends ; 
Hares  with  nimble  feet  relieves  ; 
Dreadful  teeth  to  lions  gives ; 
Fishes  learns  through  streams  to  slide ; 
Birds  through  yielding  air  to  glide  ; 
Men  with  courage  she  supplies  ; 
But  to  women  these  denies. 
What  then  gives  she  ?     Beauty,  this 
Both  their  arms  and  armour  is : 
She,  that  can  this  weapon  use. 
Fire  and  sword  with  ease  subdues. 


Lovers  Night  Walk. 

m. 

Downward  was  the  wheeling  Bear 
Driven  by  the  Waggoner : 
Men  by  powerful  sleep  opprest, 
Gave  their  busy  troubles  rest ; 
Love,  in  this  still  depth  of  night, 
Lately  at  my  house  did  light ; 
Where,  perceiving  all  fast  lock'd, 
At  the  door  he  boldly  knock'd. 
"  Who's  that,"  said  I,  "  that  does  keep 
Such  a  noise,  and  breaks  my  sleep  ?  '* 
"  Ope,"  saith  Love,  "for  pity  hear; 
'Tis  a  child,  thou  need'st  not  fear. 


Wet  and  weary,  from  his  way- 
Led  by  this  dark  night  astray." 
With  compassion  this  I  heard ; 
Light  I  struck,  the  door  unbarr'd ; 
Where  a  little  boy  appears, 
Who  wings,  bow,  and  quiver  bears ; 
Near  the  fire  I  made  him  stand, 
With  my  own  I  chaf'd  his  hand, 
And  with  kindly  busy  care 
Wrung  the  chill  drops  from  his  hair. 
When  well  warm'd  he  was,  and  dry, 
"  Now,"  saith  he,  "  'tis  time  to  try 
If  my  bow  no  hurt  did  get. 
For  methinks  the  string  is  wet." 
With  that,  drawing  it,  a  dart 
He  let  fly  that  pierc'd  my  heart ; 
Leaping  then,  and  laughing  said, 
"  Come,  my  friend,  with  me  be  glad ; 
For  my  bow  thou  seest  is  sound, 
Since  thy  heart  hath  got  a  wound." 


[Ow  Himself.'] 

IV. 

On  this  verdant  lotus  laid, 
Underneath  the  myrtle's  shade, 
Let  us  drink  our  sorrows  dead, 
Whilst  Love  plays  the  Ganimed. 
Life  like  to  a  wheel  runs  round. 
And  ere  long,  we  underground 
(Ta'en  by  death  asunder)  must 
Moulder  in  forgotten  dust. 
Why  then  graves  should  we  bedew  ? 
Why  the  ground  with  odours  strew? 
Better  whilst  alive,  prepare 
Flowers  and  unguents  for  our  hair. 
Come,  my  fair  one !  come  away ; 
All  our  cares  behind  us  lay. 
That  these  pleasures  we  may  know, 
Ere  we  come  to  those  below. 


Hoses, 

V. 

Roses  (Love's  delight)  let's  join 
To  the  red-cheek'd  God  of  Wine  ; 
Roses  crown  us,  while  we  laugh, 
And  the  juice  of  Autumn  quaff ! 
Roses  of  all  flowers  the  king, 
Roses  the  fresh  pride  o'  th*  Spnng, 
Joy  of  every  deity. 
Love,  when  with  the  Graces  he 
For  the  ball  himself  disposes. 
Crowns  his  golden  hair  with  roses. 
Circling  then  with  these  our  brow. 
We'll  to  Bacchus'  temple  go : 
There  some  willing  beauty  lead. 
And  a  youthful  measure  tread. 


Another. 

VI. 

/ 

Now  with  roses  we  are  crown 'd, 
Let  our  mirth  and  cups  go  round. 
Whilst  a  lass,  whose  hand  a  spear 
Branch'd  with  ivy  twines  doth  bear, 
With  her  white  feet  beats  the  ground 
To  the  lute's  harmonious  sound, 
Play'd  on  by  some  boy,  whose  choice 
Skill  is  heighten'd  by  his  voice ; 
Bright-hair'd  Love,  with  his  divine 
Mother,  and  the  God  of  Wine, 
Will  flock  hither,  glad  to  see 
Old  men  of  their  company. 


The  Chase. 

vn. 

With  a  whip  of  lilies,  Love 
Swiftly  me  before  him  drove; 
On  we  cours'd  it,  through  deep  floods. 
Hollow  valleys,  and  rough  woods, 
Till  a  snake  that  lurking  lay, 
Chanc'd  to  sting  me  by  the  way: 
Now  my  soul  was  nigh  to  death. 
Ebbing,  flowing  with  my  breath ; 
When  Love,  fanning  with  his  wings, 
Back  my  fleeting  spirit  brings  ; 
"  Learn,"  saith  he,  "  another  day 
Love  without  constraint  t'  obey." 


The  Dream. 
VIII. 

As  on  purple  carpets  I 
Charm'd  by  wine  in  slumber  lie, 
With  a  troop  of  maids  (resorted 
There  to  play)  methought  I  sported ; 
Whose  companions,  lovely  boys, 
Interrupt  me  with  rude  noise. 
Yet  I  offer  made  to  kiss  them. 
But  o'  th'  sudden  wake  and  miss  them. 
Vext  to  see  them  thus  forsake  me, 
I  to  sleep  again  betake  me. 


10 


The  Dove. 
IX. 

Whither  flies  my  pretty  dove  ? 
Whither,  nimble  scout  of  Love  ? 
From  whose  wings  perfumes  distil, 
And  the  air  with  sweetness  fill. 
"  Is't  to  thee  which  way  I'm  bent  ? 
By  Anacreon  I  am  sent 
To  Rhodantha,  she  who  all 
Hearts  commands,  Love's  general. 
I  to  Venus  did  belong. 
But  she  sold  me  for  a  song 
To  her  poet ;  his  I  am. 
And  from  him  this  letter  came. 


11 


For  which  he  hath  promis'd  me 
That  ere  long  he'll  set  me  free. 
But  though  freedom  I  should  gain, 
I  with  him  would  still  remain ; 
For  what  profit  were  the  change, 
Fields  from  tree  to  tree  to  range, 
And  on  hips  and  haws  to  feed. 
When  I  may  at  home  pick  bread 
From  his  hand,  and  freely  sup 
Purest  wine  from  his  own  cup  ? 
Hovering  then  with  wings  display'd, 
I  my  master  overshade ; 
And  if  night  invite  to  rest, 
In  his  harp  I  make  my  nest. 

Now  thou  dost  my  errand  know. 
Friend,  without  more  questions  go ; 
For  thy  curiosity 
Makes  me  to  outchat  a  pie." 


12 


Ixyoe  in  Wax, 
X. 

As  Love's  image,  to  be  sold, 
Wrought  in  wax  I  did  behold, 
To  the  man  I  went ;  "  What  is, 
Friend,"  said  I,  "  the  price  of  this  ?  " 
"  Give  me  what  you  please,"  he  said; 
"  This  belongs  not  to  my  trade, 
And  so  dangerous  a  guest. 
In  my  house  I'm  loth  should  rest." 
"  Give  m'  him  for  this  piece,"  said  I, 
"  And  the  boy  with  me  shall  lie." 
But,  Love,  see  thou  now  melt  me, 
Or  I'll  do  as  much  for  thee. 


¥  i 


18 


The  Combat 
XI. 

Now  will  I  a  lover  be ; 

Love  himself  commanded  me. 

Full  at  first  of  stubborn  pride. 

To  submit  my  soul  denied ; 

He  liis  quiver  takes  and  bow, 

Bids  defiance,  forth  I  go, 

Arm'd  with  spear  and  shield,  we  meet ; 

On  he  charges,  I  retreat : 

Till  perceiving  in  the  fight 

He  had  wasted  every  flight. 

Into  me,  with  fury  hot, 

Like  a  dart  himself  he  shot, 


14 


And  ray  cold  heart  melts ;  my  shield 
Useless,  no  defence  could  yield ; 
For  what  boots  an  outward  screen 
When,  alas,  the  fight's  within  I 


16 


The  Swallow. 

XII. 

Chattering  swallow !  what  shall  we, 
Shall  we  do  to  punish  thee  ? 
Shall  we  clip  thy  wings,  or  cut 
Tereus-like  thy  shrill  tongue  out? 
Who  Rhodantha  diiv'st  away 
From  my  dreams  by  break  of  day. 


16 


[  Wine  and  Love.^ 
XIII. 

Atis  tlirough  deserted  groves, 
Cybele  invoking  roves ; 
And  like  madness  them  befell 
Who  were  drunk  at  Phoebus'  well ; 
But  I  willingly  will  prove 
Both  these  furies,  Wine  and  Love. 


17 


The  Old  Lover. 
XIV. 

By  the  women  I  am  told 

"  'Las !  Anacreon  thou  grow'st  old, 

Take  thy  glass  and  look  else,  there 

Thou  wilt  see  thy  temples  bare." 

Whether  I  be  bald  or  no, 

That  I  know  not,  this  I  know, — 

Pleasures,  as  less  time  to  try 

Old  men  have,  they  more  should  ply. 

2 


18 


[Content-'] 
XV. 

I  NOT  care  for  Gyges'  sway, 

Or  the  Lydian  sceptre  weigli ; 

Nor  am  covetous  of  gold, 

Nor  with  envy  kings  behold : 

All  my  care  is  to  prepare 

Fragrant  unguents  for  my  hair; 

All  my  care  is  where  to  get 

Roses  for  a  coronet ; 

All  my  care  is  for  to-day ; 

What's  to-morrow  who  can  say  ? 

Come,  then,  let  us  drink  and  dice, 

And  to  Bacchus  sacrifice, 

Ere  death  come  and  take  us  off. 

Crying,  Hold  I  th'  hast  drunk  enough. 


19 


The  Captive, 
XVI. 

Thoxj  of  Thebes,  of  Troy  sings  he ; 

I  my  own  captivity : 

'Twas  no  army,  horse,  or  foot, 

Nor  a  navy  brought  me  to't, 

But  a  stranger  enemy 

Shot  me  from  my  mistress'  eye. 


■    20 

The  Wish. 
XVII. 

NiOBE  on  Phiygian  sands 
Tum'd  a  weeping  statue  stands, 
And  the  Pandionian  Maid 
In  a  swallow's  wings  array'd ; 
But  a  miiTor  I  would  be, 
To  be  look'd  on  still  by  thee  ; 
Or  the  gown  wherein  thou'rt  drest, 
That  I  might  thy  limbs  invest ; 
Or  a  crystal  spring,  wherein 
Thou  might'st  bathe  thy  purer  skin ; 
Or  sweet  unguents,  to  anoint 
And  make  supple  every  joint ; 
Or  a  knot,  thy  breast  to  deck  ; 
Or  a  chain,  to  clasp  thy  neck ; 
Or  thy  shoe  I  wish  to  be. 
That  thou  might'st  but  tread  on  me. 


21 


The  Cup. 
XVIII. 

Vulcan  come,  thy  hammer  take, 
And  of  burnish'd  silver  make 
(Not  a  glittering  armour,  for 
What  have  we  to  do  with  war  ? 
But)  a  large  deep  bowl,  and  on  it 
I  would  have  thee  carve  (no  planet: 
Pleiads,  Wains,  or  Waggoners, 
What  have  we  to  do  with  stars  ? 
But  to  life  exactly  shape) 
Clusters  of  the  juicy  grape ; 
Whilst  brisk  Love  their  bleeding  heads 
Hand  in  hand  with  Bacchus  treads. 


Another* 

XIX. 

All  thy  skill  if  thou  collect. 
Make  a  cup  as  I  direct : 
Roses  climbing  o'er  the  brim, 
Yet  must  seem  in  wine  to  swim ; 
Faces  too  there  should  be  there, 
None  that  frowns  or  wrinkles  wear ; 
But  the  sprightly  Son  of  Jove, 
With  the  beauteous  Queen  of  Love ; 
There,  beneath  a  pleasant  shade. 
By  a  vine's  wide  branches  made. 
Must  the  Loves,  their  arms  laid  by. 
Keep  the  Graces  company  ; 
And  the  bright-hair'd  god  of  day 
With  a  youthful  bevy  play. 


23 


\_The  Need  of  Drinking ."] 

XX. 

Fruitful  earth  drinks  up  the  rain ; 
Trees  from  earth  drink  that  again ; 
The  sea  drinks  the  air,  the  sun 
Drinks  the  sea,  and  him  the  moon. 
Is  it  reason  then,  d'ye  think, 
I  should  thirst  when  all  else  drink  ? 


u 


[0»  Himself,'] 
XXI. 

Reach  me  here  that  full  crown'd  cup, 
And  at  once  I'll  drink  it  up ; 
For  my  overcharged  breast 
Pants  for  drouth,  with  care  opprest; 
Whilst  a  chaplet  of  cool  roses 
My  distemper'd  brow  incloses ; 
Love  I'll  drench  in  wine  ;  for  these 
Flames  alone  can  his  appease. 


25 


The  Invitation. 

XXII. 

Come,  my  fair,  the  heat  t'  evade. 
Let  us  sit  beneath  this  shade ; 
See,  the  tree  doth  bow  his  head, 
And  his  arms  t'  invite  thee  spread  j 
Hark,  the  kind  persuasive  spring 
Murmurs  at  thy  tarrying : 
Who  molested  by  the  sun 
Would  so  sweet  a  refuge  shun  ? 


26 


[Gold.] 
XXIII. 

If  I  thought  that  gold  had  power 

To  prolong  my  life  one  hour, 

I  should  lay  it  up,  to  fee 

Death,  when  come  to  summon  me  ; 

But  if  life  cannot  be  bought, 

Why  complain  I  then  for  nought  ? 

Death  not  brib'd  at  any  price, 

To  what  end  is  avarice  ? 

Fill  me  then  some  wine ;  but  see 

That  it  brisk  and  racy  be, 

Such  as  may  cold  bloods  inflame, 

For  by  Bacchus  arm'd  we'll  aim 

At  Cythera's  highest  pleasure  : 

Wine  and  love's  the  only  treasure. 


<f.7^ 


2T 


[0»  Himself.'] 

XXIV.' 

I  AM  sprung  of  human  seed, 
For  a  life's  short  race  decreed ; 
Though  I  know  the  way  I've  gone, 
That  which  is  to  come's  unknown. 
Busy  thoughts  do  not  disturb  me ; 
What  have  you  to  do  to  curb  me  ? 
Come,  some  wine  and  music  give  : 
Ere  we  die,  'tis  fit  we  live, 


28 


[0^  Himself.']    . 

XXV. 

When  with  wine  my  soul  is  arm'd, 
All  my  grief  and  tears  are  charm'd ; 
Life  in  toils  why  should  we  waste, 
When  we're  sure  to  die  at  last  ? 
Drink  we  then,  nor  Bacchus  spare : 
Wine's  the  antidote  of  Care. 


20 


l^On  Himself ."] 
XXVI. 

When  my  sense  in  wine  I  steep, 
All  my  cares  are  luU'd  asleep : 
Rich  in  thought,  I  then  despise 
Croesus,  and  his  royalties  ; 
Whilst  with  ivy  twines  I  wreath  me 
And  sing  all  the  world  beneath  me. 
Others  run  to  martial  fights, 
I  to  Bacchus's  delights  ; 
Fill  the  cup  then,  boy,  for  I 
Drunk  than  dead  had  rather  lie. 


80 


[To  Dionysus. J 
XXVII. 

JovE-born  Bacchus,  when  possest 
(Care-exiling)  of  my  breast, 
In  a  sprightly  saraband 
Guides  my  foot  and  ready  hand. 
Which  an  even  measure  sets 
'Twixt  my  voice  and  castanets ; 
Tir'd  we  sit  and  kiss,  and  then 
To  our  dancing  fall  again 


81 


The  Picture. 

XXVIII. 

Painter,  by  unmatcli'd  desert 
Master  of  the  Rhodian  art, 
Come,  my  absent  mistress  take. 
As  I  shall  describe  her :  make 
First  her  hair,  as  black  as  bright. 
And  if  colors  so  much  right 
Can  but  do  her,  let  it  too 
Smell  of  aromatic  dew ; 
Underneath  this  shade,  must  thou 
Draw  her  alabaster  brow  ; 
Her  dark  eyebrows  so  dispose 
That  they  neither  part  nor  close. 


82 


But  by  a  divorce  so  slight 
Be  disjoin'd,  may  cheat  the  sight : 
From  her  kindly  killing  eye 
Make  a  flash  of  lightning  fly, 
Sparkling  like  Minerva's,  yet 
Like  Cythera's  mildly  sweet : 
Roses  in  milk  swimming  seek 
For  the  pattern  of  her  cheek: 
In  her  lip  such  moving  blisses, 
As  from  all  may  challenge  kisses ; 
Round  about  her  neck  (outvying 
Parian  stone)  the  Graces  flying  j 
And  o'er  all  her  limbs  at  last 
A  loose  purple  mantle  cast ; 
But  so  ordered  that  the  eye 
Some  part  naked  may  descry. 
An  essay  by  which  the  rest 
That  lies  hidden  may  be  guess'd. 
So,  to  life  th'  hast  come  so  near, 
All  of  her,  but  voice,  is  here. 


Another. 

XXIX. 

DrA"W  my  fair  as  I  command, 

Whilst  my  fancy  guides  thy  hand. 

Black  her  hair  must  be,  yet  bright, 

Tipt,  as  with  a  golden  light, 

In  loose  curls  thrown  o'er  her  dress 

With  a  graceful  carelessness  ; 

On  each  side  her  forehead  crown 

With  an  arch  of  sable  down ; 

In  her  black  and  sprightly  eye 

Sweetness  mix  with  majesty, 

That  the  soul  of  every  lover 

There  'twixt  hope  and  fear  may  hover : 
3 


34 


In  her  cheek  a  blushing  red 
Must  by  bashf ulness  be  spread ; 
Such  her  lips,  as  if  from  thence 
Stole  a  silent  eloquence : 
Round  her  face,  her  forehead  high, 
Neck  surpassing  ivory ; 
But  why  all  this  care  to  make 
Her  description  need  we  take  ? 
Draw  her  with  exactest  art 
After  Venus  in  each  part ; 
Or  to  Samos  go,  and  there 
Venus  thou  mayst  draw  by  her. 


35 


Love  Imprisoned. 
XXX, 

Love,  in  rosy  fetters  caught, 

To  my  fair  the  Muses  brought ; 

Gifts  his  mother  did  prefer 

To  release  the  prisoner, 

But  he'd  not  be  gone  though  free, 

Pleas'd  with  his  captivity. 


36 


Europa. 

XXXI. 

This  the  figure  is  of  Jove, 
To  a  bull  transform'd  by  Love, 
On  whose  back  the  Tyrian  Maid 
Through  the  surges  was  convey'd : 
See  how  swiftly  he  the  wide 
Sea  doth  with  strong  hoofs  divide ; 
He  (and  he  alone)  could  swim, 
None  o'  th'  herd  e'er  follow'd  him. 


8T 


J> 


The  AccompL 
XXXII. 

If  thou  dost  the  number  know 
Of  the  leaves  on  every  bough, 
If  thou  can'st  the  reckoning  keep 
Of  the  sands  within  the  deep  ; 
Thee  of  all  men  will  I  take, 
And  my  Love's  accomptant  make. 
Of  Athenians  first  a  score 
Set  me  down ;  then  fifteen  more  ; 
Add  a  regiment  to  these 
Of  Corinthian  mistresses. 
For  the  most  renown'd  for  fair 
In  Achsea  sojourn  there ; 


88 


Next  our  Lesbian  Beauties  tell ; 
Those  that  in  Ionia  dwell ; 
Those  of  Rhodes  and  Caria  count ; 
To  two  thousand  they  amount. 
Wonder'st  thou  I  love  so  many  ? 
'Las  of  Syria  we  not  any, 
Egypt  yet,  nor  Crete  have  told, 
Where  his  orgies  Love  doth  hold. 
What  to  those  then  wilt  thou  say 
Which  in  eastern  Bactria, 
Or  the  western  Gades  remain  ? 
But  give  o'er,  thou  toil'st  in  vain ; 
For  the  sum  which  thou  dost  seek 
Puzzles  all  arithmetic. 


IThe  Old  Lover.'] 
XXXIII. 

Though  my  aged  head  be  grey. 
And  thy  youth  more  fresh  than  May, 
Fly  me  not ;  oh  !  rather  see 
In  this  wreath  how  gracefully 
Roses  with  pale  lilies  join  : 
Learn  of  them,  so  let  us  twine. 


40 


[TTie  Vain  Advice."] 

XXXIV. 

PRYTHEB  trouble  me  no  more ; 
I  wiLl  drink,  be  mad,  and  roar : 
AlcmsBon  and  Orestes  grew 
Mad,  when  they  their  mothers  slew : 
But  I  no  man  having  kill'd 
Am  with  hurtless  fury  fiU'd. 
Hercules  with  madness  struck, 
Bent  his  bow,  his  quiver  shook ; 
Ajax  mad,  did  fiercely  wield 
Hector's  sword,  and  grasp'd  his  shield ; 
I  nor  spear  nor  target  have, 
But  this  cup  (my  weapon)  wave  ; 
Crown'd  with  roses,  thus  for  more 
Wine  I  call,  drink,  dance,  and  roar. 


41 


The  fallow. 

XXXV. 

Gentle  swallow,  thou  we  know 

Every  year  dost  come  and  go  ; 

In  the  spring  thy  nest  thou  mak'st ; 

In  the  winter  it  f  orsak'st, 

And  divert'st  thyself  awhile 

Near  the  Memphian  towers,  or  Nile : 

But  Love  in  my  suffering  breast 

Builds,  and  never  quits  his  nest ; 

First  one  Love's  hatch'd ;  when  that  flies, 

In  the  shell  another  lies ; 

Then  a  third  is  half  expos'd ; 

Then  a  whole  brood  is  disclos'd. 


42 


Which  for  meat  still  peeping  cry, 

Whilst  the  others  that  can  fly 

Do  their  callow  brethren  feed, 

And  grown  up,  they  young  ones  breed. 

What  then  will  become  of  me 

Bound  to  pain  incessantly. 

Whilst  so  man}'  Loves  conspire 

On  my  heart  by  turns  to  tii'e  ? 


43 


[Cheerful  Living. 2 

XXXVI. 

Vex  no  more  thyself  and  me 
With  demure  philosophy : 
Hollow  precepts,  only  fit 
To  amuse  the  busy  wit;  ^ 

Teach  me  brisk  Lyseus'  rites; 
Teach  rae  Venus'  blithe  delights ; 
Jove  loves  water,  give  me  wine ; 
That  my  soul  ere  I  resign 
May  this  cure  of  sorrow  have ; 
There's  no  drinking  in  the  grave. 


44 


The  Spring, 
XXXVII. 

See  the  Spring  herself  discloses, 
And  the  Graces  gather  roses ; 
See  how  the  becalmed  seas 
Now  their  swelling  waves  appease? 
How  the  duck  swims,  how  the  crane 
Comes  from  winter's  home  again ; 
See  how  Titan's  cheerful  ray  ,. 

Chaseth  the  dark  clouds  away ; 
Now  in  their  new  robes  of  green 
Are  the  ploughman's  labours  seen  ; 
Now  the  lusty  teeming  Earth 
Springs  each  hour  with  a  new  birth ; 


45 


Now  the  olive  blooms  :  the  vine 
Now  doth  with  plump  pendants  shine ; 
And  with  leaves  and  blossom  now 
Freshly  bourgeons  every  bough. 


46 


[Ow  Himself,'] 

xxxvni. 

Old  I  am,  yet  can  (I  think) 

Those  that  younger  are  out-drink  ; 

When  I  dance  no  staff  I  take, 

But  a  well-fill'd  bottle  shake : 

He  that  doth  in  war  delight, 

Come,  and  with  these  arms  let's  fight ; 

Fill  the  cup,  let  loose  a  flood 

Of  the  rich  grape's  luscious  blood ;    . 

Old  I  am,  and  therefore  may. 

Like  Silenus,  drink  and  play. 


47 


\^Frolic  Wine,'] 
XXXIX. 

When  I  ply  the  cheering  bowl. 
Brisk  Lyaeus  through  my  soul 
Straight  such  lively  joy  diffuses 
That  I  sing,  and  bless  the  Muses ; 
Full  of  wine  I  cast  behind 
All  my  sorrows  to  the  wind ; 
Full  of  wine  my  head  I  crown, 
Roving  loosely  up  and  down  ; 
Full  of  wine  I  praise  the  life. 
Calmly  ignorant  of  strife ; 
Full  of  wine  I  court  some  fair, 
And  Cythera's  worth  declare  ; 


48 


Full  of  wine  my  close  thoughts  I 

To  my  jovial  friends  untie ; 

Wine  makes  age  with  new  years  sprout ; 

Wine  denied,  my  life  goes  out. 


^■.. 


49 


The  Bee. 

XL. 

Love,  a  Bee  that  lurk'd  among 

Roses  saw  not,  and  was  stung : 

Who  for  his  hurt  finger  crying, 

Running  sometimes,  sometimes  flying, 

Doth  to  his  fair  mother  hie. 

And  O  help,  cries  he,  I  die ; 

A  wing'd  snake  hath  bitten  me, 

Call'd  by  countrymen  a  Bee  : 

At  which  Venus,  If  such  smart 

A  Bee's  little  sting  impart. 

How  much  greater  is  the  pain, 

They,  whom  thou  hast  hurt,  sustain  ? 
4 


50 


{Praise  of  Bacchus.^ 

XLI. 

Whilst  our  joys  with  wine  we  raise. 
Youthful  Bacchus  we  will  praise. 
Bacchus  dancing  did  invent ; 
Bacchus  is  on  songs  intent ; 
Bacchus  teacheth  Love  to  court, 
And  his  mother  how  to  sport ; 
Graceful  confidence  he  lends ; 
He  oppressive  trouble  ends  ; 
To  the  bowl  when  we  repair. 
Grief  doth  vanish  into  air ; 
Drink  we  then,  and  drown  all  sorrow ; 
All  our  cares  not  knows  the  morrow ; 


61 

Life  is  dark,  let's  dance  and  play, 
They  that  will  be  troubled  may ; 
We  our  joys  with  wine  will  raise, 
Youthful  Bacchus  we  will  praise. 


52 


I31irth,'] 
XLII. 

I  DIVINE  LysBus  prize, 
Who  with  mirth  and  wit  supplies : 
Compass'd  with  a  jovial  quire, 
I  affect  to  touch  the  Ijrre : 
But  of  all  my  greatest  joy 
Is  with  sprightly  maids  to  toy  ; 
My  free  heart  no  envy  beara, 
Nor  another's  envy  fears ; 
Proof  against  invective  wrongs, 
Brittle  shafts  of  poisonous  tongues. 
Wine  with  quarrels  sour'd  I  hate. 
Or  feasts  season'd  with  debate : 
But  I  love  a  harmless  measure  ; 
Life  to  quiet  hath  no  pleasure. 


58 


The  Grasshojyper. 

XLIII. 

Grasshopper  thrice-happy  I  who 
Sipping  the  cool  morning  dew, 
Queen-like  chirpest  all  the  day- 
Seated  on  some  verdant  spray ; 
Thine  is  all  whate'er  earth  brings, 
Or  the  hours  with  laden  wings  ; 
Thee,  the  ploughman  calls  his  joy, 
'Cause  thou  nothing  dost  destroy : 
Thou  by  all  art  honour'd ;  all 
Thee  the  spring's  sweet  prophet  call ; 
By  the  Muses  thou'rt  admir'd. 
By  Apollo  art  inspir'd 


64 

Ageless,  ever-singing,  good. 
Without  passion,  flesh  or  blood ; 
Oh  how  near  thy  happy  state 
Comes  the  gods  to  imitate  I 


65 


The  Dream, 
XLIV. 

As  I  late  in  slumber  lay 
Wing'd  methought  I  ran  away, 
But  Love  (his  feet  clogg'd  with  lead) 
As  thus  up  and  down  I  fled, 
Following  caught  me  instantly : 
What  may  this  strange  dream  imply  ? 
What  but  this  ?  that  in  my  heart 
Though  a  thousand  Loves  had  part, 
I  shall  now  (their  snares  declin'd) 
To  this  only  be  confin'd. 


66 


Lovers  Arrows. 

XLV. 

In  the  Lemnian  forge  of  late 

Vulcan  making  arrows  sate, 

Whilst  with  honey  their  barb'd  points 

Venus,  Love  with  gall  anoints  : 

Armed  Mars  by  chance  comes  there. 

Brandishing  a  sturdy  spear, 

And  in  scorn  the  little  shaft 

Offering  to  take  up,  he  laugh'd : 

"This,"    saith  Love,  "which  thou  dost 

slight. 
Is  not  (if  thou  try  it)  light ;  " 
Up  Mars  takes  it,  Venus  smil'd ; 
But  he  (sighing)  to  the  Child, 
"  Take  it,"  cries,  « its  weight  I  feel ;  " 
*♦'-.         "Nay,"  says  Love,  "e'en  keep  it  still." 


6T 


Gold, 

XL  VI. 

Not  to  love  a  pain  is  deem'd, 
And  to  love  's  the  same  esteem'd : 
But  of  all  the  greatest  pain 
Is  to  love  unlov'd  again. 
Birth  in  love  is  now  rejected. 
Parts  and  arts  are  disrespected. 
Only  gold  is  look'd  upon. 
A  curse  take  him  that  was  won 
First  to  doat  upon  it ;  hence 
Springs  'twixt  brothers  difference  ; 
This  makes  parents  slighted  ;  this 
War's  dire  cause  and  fuel  is  : 
And  what's  worst,  by  this  alone 
*  ^'-^  Are  we  lovers  overthrown. 


58 


[Youthful  Eld.'] 
XL  VII. 

Young  men  dancing,  and  the  old 
Sporting  I  with  joy  behold  ; 
But  an  old  man  gay  and  free 
Dancing  most  I  love  to  see  ; 
Age  and  youth  alike  he  shares. 
For  his  heart  belies  his  haii-s. 


59 


[  Wine  the  Healer. "] 

XLVIII. 

Who  his  cups  can  stoutly  bear, 

In  his  cups  despiseth  fear, 

In  his  cups  can  nimbly  dance, 

Him  Lyaeus  will  advance : 

Nectar  of  us  mortals  wine, 

The  glad  offspring  of  the  vine, 

Screen'd  with  leaves,  preserv'd  within 

The  plump  grape's  transparent  skin, 

In  the  body  all  diseases, 

In  the  soul  all  grief  appeases. 


60 


On  a  Basin  wherein  Venus  was  En- 
graved. 

XLIX. 

What  bold  hand  the  sea  engraves, 

Whilst  its  undetermin'd  waves 

In  a  dish's  narrow  round 

Art's  more  powerful  rage  doth  bound  ? 

See,  by  some  Promethean  mind 

Cytherea  there  design'd. 

Mother  of  the  deities, 

Expos'd  naked  to  our  eyes 

In  all  parts,  save  those  alone 

Modesty  will  not  have  shown. 

Which  for  covering  only  have 

The  thin  mantle  of  a  wave : 


61 

On  the  surface  of  the  main, 
Which  a  smiling  calm  lays  plain, 
She,  like  frothy  sedges,  swims. 
And  displays  her  snowy  limbs : 
Whilst  the  foaming  billow  swells. 
As  her  breast  its  force  repels, 
And  her  form  striving  to  hide 
Her  doth  by  her  neck  divide. 
Like  a  lily  round  beset 
By  the  purple  violet. 
Loves,  who  dolphins  do  bestride. 
O'er  the  silver  surges  ride, 
And  with  many  a  wanton  smile 
Lovers  of  their  hearts  beguile ; 
Whilst  the  people  of  the  flood 
To  her  side,  like  wantons,  scud. 


62 


,♦._ 


The  Rose. 
L. 

With  the  flowery  crowned  spring 
Now  the  vernal  rose  we  sing ; 
Sons  of  mirth,  your  sprightly  lays 
Mix  with  ours,  to  sound  its  praise : 
Rose,  the  gods'  and  men's  sweet  flower ; 
Rose,  the  Graces'  paramour: 
Tliis  of  Muses  the  delight, 
This  is  Venus'  favourite ; 
Sweet,  when  guarded  by  sharp  thorns ; 
Sweet,  when  it  soft  hands  adorns ; 
How  at  mirthful  boards  admir'd ! 
How  at  Bacchus'  feasts  desir'd  I 


63 


Fair  without  it  what  is  bom  ? 
Rosy-finger'd  is  the  Mom ; 
Rosy-ami'd  the  nymphs  we  name ; 
Rosy-cheek'd  Love's  queen  proclaim : 
This  relief  'gainst  sickness  lends  ; 
This  the  very  dead  befriends  ; 
This  Time's  malice  doth  prevent. 
Old  retains  its  youthful  scent. 
When  Cythera  from  the  main, 
Pallas  sprung  from  Jove's  crack'd  brain. 
Then  the  rose  receiv'd  its  birth 
From  the  youthful  teeming  earth  ; 
Every  god  was  its  protector, 
Wat'ring  it  by  turns  with  nectar, 
Till  from  thorns  it  grew,  and  prov'd 
Of  Lyaeus  the  belov'd. 


.*._ 


64 


The  Vintage. 

LI. 

Men  and  maids  at  time  of  year 

The  ripe  clusters  jointly  bear 

To  the  press,  but  in  when  thrown, 

They  by  men  are  trod  alone, 

Who  in  Bacchus'  praises  join. 

Squeeze  the  grape,  let  out  the  wine : 

Oh  with  what  delight  they  spy 

The  new  must  when  tunned  work  high  I 

Which  if  old  men  freely  take, 

Their  grey  heads  and  heels  they  shake ; 

And  a  young  man,  if  he  find 

Some  fair  maid  to  sleep  resign'd 


65 


In  the  shade,  he  straight  goes  to  her, 

Wakes,  and  roundly  'gins  to  woo  her, 

Whilst  Love  slily  stealing  in 

Tempts  her  to  the  pleasing  sin : 

Yet  she  long  resists  his  offers. 

Nor  wiU  hear  whate'er  he  proffers. 

Till  perceiving  that  his  prayer 

Melts  into  regardless  air, 

Her,  who  seemingly  refrains. 

He  by  pleasing  force  constrains  ; 

Wine  doth  boldness  thus  dispense, 

Teaching  young  men  insolence. 
5 


6Q 


[On  Himself,^ 

LII. 

When  I  see  the  young  men  play, 
Young  methinks  I  am  as  they ; 
And  my  aged  thoughts  laid  by, 
To  the  dance  with  joy  I  fly : 
Come,  a  flowery  chaplet  lend  me ; 
Youth  and  mirthful  thoughts  attend  me; 
Age  be  gone,  we'll  dance  among 
Those  that  young  are,  and  be  young : 
Bring  some  wine,  boy,  fill  about ; 
You  shall  see  the  old  man's  stout ; 
Who  can  laugh  and  tipple  too, 
^  _^      And  be  mad  as  well  as  you. 


67 


\_Love'8  Mark.'\ 

LIU. 

Horses  plainly  are  descry'd 
By  the  mark  upon  their  side  : 
Parthians  are  distinguished 
By  the  mitres  on  their  head : 
But  from  all  men  else  a  lover 
I  can  easily  discover, 
For  upon  his  easy  breast 
Love  his  brand-mark  hath  imprest. 


68 


[^Instructions  to  a  PainterJ] 

LIV. 

Best  of  painters  come,  pursue 
What  our  Muse  invites  thee  to, 
And  LysBus,  whose  shrill  flute 
Vies  with  her  harmonious  lute ; 
Draw  me  a  full  city,  where 
Several  shapes  of  mirth  appear ; 
And  the  laws  of  love,  if  cold 
Wax  8o  gi-eat  a  flame  can  hold. 


69 


[^Wine  and  Song.^ 
LV. 

Brinq  me  hither  Homer's  lute, 
Taught  with  mirth  (not  wars)  to  suit ; 
Reach  a  full  cup,  that  I  may 
All  the  laws  of  wine  obey, 
Drink,  and  dance,  and  to  the  lyre 
Sing  what  Bacchus  shall  inspire. 


*.^ 


70 


^^' 


The  Dream. 

In  a  dream  unto  me  came 

Anacreon,  of  Teian  fame. 

He  accosted  me,  and  I 

Ran  up  to  him  lovingly, 

And  my  arms  about  him  threw. 

Old  he  was,  but  fair  to  view. 

Fair,  a  lover  of  the  vine  ; 

His  stain'd  lip  yet  breath'd  of  wine. 

Falteringly  he  seem'd  to  tread ; 

(Love  his  trembling  footsteps  led  ;) 

Crowned  was  his  brow,  and  he 

Held  the  garland  out  to  me, 

Of  Anacreon  it  breath'd : 

Straight  my  forehead  (fool  I)  I  wreath'd ; 

And  from  that  time  till  to-day 

I  by  love  am  plagued  alway. 


n 


Upon  Cupid, 

As  lately  I  a  garland  bound, 
*Mongst  roses  I  there  Cupid  found ; 
I  took  him,  put  him  in  my  cup, 
And  drunk  with  wine,  I  drank  him  up. 
Hence  then  it  is  that  my  poou  breast 
Could  never  since  find  any  rest. 


.♦' 


72 


The  Bowl  of  Song, 

Sweet  the  song  Anacreon  sings, 
Sweet  notes  flow  from  Sappho's  strings : 
Pindar's  strains,  their  sweets  among, 
Add,  to  crown  the  bowl  of  song. 
Such  a  triple  charm  would  sure 
Dionysus'  lips  allure ; 
Paphos'  sleek-skinn'd  queen  would  deign. 
Or  Love's  self,  the  cup  to  drain. 


.*• 


78 


.4. 


Pleasant  'tis  abroad  to  stray 
Thro'  the  meadow  deep  in  hay, 
Where  soft  zephyrs,  breathing  low, 
Odorous  sweets  around  us  throw : 
Pleasant,  where  the  gadding  vine 
Weaves  a  safe  shade,  to  recline 
With  some  dainty  girl  whose  breast 
Gypns  wholly  hath  possest. 


f^^ 


74 


.'>•-. 


Runaway  Gold, 

When  with  soft  and  viewless  feet 

Like  the  wind,  and  no  less  fleet, 

Flies  me,  as  he  flies  alway, 

Gold,  that  arrant  Runaway, 

I  pursue  not :  who  is  fain 

To  hunt  a  home  a  hateful  bane  ? 

Free  from  Runaway  Gold,  my  breast 

Is  of  sorrow  dLspossest ; 

I,  to  all  the  winds  that  blow. 

All  my  cares  abroad  may  throw : 

I  may  take  my  lyre  and  raise 

Jocund  songs  in  Cupid's  praise. 

When  my  wary  sprite  disdains 

To  be  trapped  by  Runaway's  trains. 


76 


Suddenly  he  hies  unto  me 

And  with  trouble  would  undo  me ; 

Hoping  that  himself  I'll  take 

And  my  darling  lyre  forsake. 

Faithless  Gold,  thy  laboui-'s  naught ; 

By  thy  snares  I'll  not  be  caught. 

More  delight  than  Gold  doth  bring 

I  can  gain  from  my  lute-fitring. 

Thou  men's  hearts  didst  sow  with  guile. 

And  with  envy  them  defile ; 

But  the  lyre.    .    .    . 


»* 


I.' 


